A hematocrit of 20 indicates what about the blood composition?

A hematocrit of 20 indicates that 20% of the blood volume consists of red blood cells. Hematocrit is a measurement that assesses the percentage of the total blood volume that is occupied by these cells, which are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body. A normal hematocrit value typically ranges from about 35% to 50% in healthy individuals, so a value of 20 suggests a possible anemia or other underlying health issue, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role and composition of blood components. White blood cells, plasma, and platelets each serve distinct functions within the blood; however, they do not account for the hematocrit measurement, which specifically pertains to red blood cell volume. Thus, recognizing that a hematocrit of 20 points to a low level of red blood cells is critical in understanding blood composition and its implications for an individual's health.